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Generating power: How to choose the right generator for your home

Dec 28, 2016

Whether you want to be prepared for an emergency power outage or are looking to dial up the quality of a backyard party, portable generators are a great, inexpensive investment. To help narrow down your search, LightingtheQCA.com has put together a list of a few considerations to keep in mind when picking out a generator for your home.

Consider placement
“Placement is the number one aspect to consider when choosing a generator for your home,” said Jeff Lanum from Electric Doctor. “Generators should be placed no less than five feet away from any opening in your home, such as furnace and air exhaust pipes.” Generators that are placed near these openings could cause a potentially deadly situation, filling your home with carbon monoxide and other lethal toxins.

Consider wattage
The size of the generator you need largely depends on what you intend to supply power to. If you plan on using the generator to supply power to your backyard party, a generator that produces 1,000 watts of power will work just fine. If you intend to use the generator during an emergency power outage to supply power to your home, you will need a generator that produces a much larger current of 2,000 to 4,000 watts. Take a look at this wattage calculator to help you determine the appropriate generator size for your home.

Consider output
Most generators are designed with multiple output plugs, making it easy to run power to multiple locations in your home. Remember, if you intend to use your generator to run power to your whole home, you must have a certified electrician install a power transfer system into your home’s electrical unit. This will allow household appliances that are hardwired into your system—like refrigerators and furnaces—to run properly.

Consider weight
A generator’s size is proportional to its weight. Depending on its size, generators can weigh anywhere from 25 to 215 pounds. High-wattage models that are lightweight and compact are much more expensive than high-wattage, larger models—however, the lightweight models will be much easier to move and transport in emergencies. If you are looking to save some money and purchase a heavier, high-wattage generator, be sure the model comes on wheels for quick and easy moving.

Consider fuel
When choosing a generator for your home, it is important to consider the fueling needs of each model. Most portable generators require gasoline to run, however some older models may require propane. In addition to fuel intake, fuel efficiency is also something to consider. The more efficient your generator is, the more money you will save, and the happier you’ll be—trust us.

As always, contact one of the many certified contractors on LightingtheQCA.com for assistance on choosing the perfect generator for your home. Whether you’re looking for a few helpful tips or need assistance with installation, they’ll be sure to help you get the job done!

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Customer Testimonials

"The American Red Cross has a longstanding relationship with the IBEW in the Quad Cities. During the construction of our new facility in Moline we were continually impressed with the quality of performance and attention to detail by the IBEW members working on... read more

Betsy Pratt

Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross

"The American Red Cross has a longstanding relationship with the IBEW in the Quad Cities. During the construction of our new facility in Moline we were continually impressed with the quality of performance and attention to detail by the IBEW members working on site. All work was completed ahead of schedule and there was great pride in workmanship demonstrated in all aspects of the project.."

Betsy Pratt

Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross

"The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center prides itself in the highest quality of service to the community. The IBEW has the same commitment to service along with quality craftsmanship. That is one of the reasons we used local members from IBEW Local 145 on... read more

Dave Green

Mississippi Valley Blood Center

"The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center prides itself in the highest quality of service to the community. The IBEW has the same commitment to service along with quality craftsmanship. That is one of the reasons we used local members from IBEW Local 145 on our new $13.5 million facility. Workers diligently labored, even in sub-zero temperatures, so the project could be completed on time and with the highest measures of quality."

Dave Green

Mississippi Valley Blood Center

"In my experience with service calls and smaller scale projects on the Augustana Campus, I have found the LightingTheQCA workers to be skilled and knowledgeable. They bring to the project on-time completion and the ability to remain within budget. That is a... read more

David Barker

Manager of Facilities, Augustana College

"In my experience with service calls and smaller scale projects on the Augustana Campus, I have found the LightingTheQCA workers to be skilled and knowledgeable. They bring to the project on-time completion and the ability to remain within budget. That is a great asset. From their office staff to field personnel, they represent themselves in a professional manner and have been great to work with. What was really important to me was that the project was done on time, and there were no further disruptions by having to call them back."

David Barker

Manager of Facilities, Augustana College

"We used qualified IBEW Electricians during the construction of both the new Rock Island County Animal Shelter and also for the new Rock Island County Forest Preserve Golf Clubhouse. Our Rock Island County Board insists on using IBEW Electricians because of their... read more

Jim Bohnsack

Chairman of the Board at Rock Island County

"We used qualified IBEW Electricians during the construction of both the new Rock Island County Animal Shelter and also for the new Rock Island County Forest Preserve Golf Clubhouse. Our Rock Island County Board insists on using IBEW Electricians because of their superior work quality that we can count on every time. It is extremely important that the work be completed on time and within our budget and we know we can count on both when we use IBEW Electricians. Their professionalism and training set them apart."

Jim Bohnsack

Chairman of the Board at Rock Island County

"Estes Construction works with several electrical contracting firms who are signatory to the IBEW Local # 145 and has done so for the almost 40 year history of Estes. Estes has a mission to be the preferred provider of construction services and it is imperative... read more

Kent Pilcher

President of Estes Construction

"Estes Construction works with several electrical contracting firms who are signatory to the IBEW Local # 145 and has done so for the almost 40 year history of Estes. Estes has a mission to be the preferred provider of construction services and it is imperative that our team members perform accordingly. Estes has come to count on our signatory contractors and their partnership with Local #145 to provide highly skilled and professional electrical workers. The leadership of Local #145 has always emphasized the need for the workforce to perform at the highest levels to insure safe projects, completed with a very high level of quality and within required schedules. Lastly, Local #145 continually works to contribute to a stronger community and industry as they are very active in a number of activities.”

Choosing the right qualified electrician or electrical contractor in the Quad Cities area is easier…starting now. Let NECA Joe explain the difference that a trained, experienced electrical professional can make in your project.